Moments after referee David Llaurado raised Nicola Adams’ left arm to signal her victory in a semifinal bout of the 51 kg women's flyweight boxing event in the London Olympics on Wednesday, Manipur was plunged in darkness. Literally and metaphorically.
Punching above her weight, the North Eastern State’s — and India’s — favourite daughter, Mary Kom had just lost the chance to advance to the final of the competition, losing 6-11 to the younger and taller Briton. Manipur normally gets electricity for just a few hours a day but the authorities kept the grid running long enough to allow Mary's fans to watch the match live. Seconds after she lost, the lights went out.
Friends and relatives who had gathered at the five-time world champion's village, Langol, in Imphal West, bore her defeat to a quick-footed opponent with a heavy heart, although they put up a brave face.
Mary's father Tonpa, who had travelled all the way from his village Kangathei to watch the match with friends and family in Imphal became emotional. But he soon recovered, saying, “What has happened has happened. I am sad that she lost the silver, but am very, very happy that she won the bronze.”
On the streets of Manipur, men, women and children wore their feelings on their faces. For, the ones that had gathered in front of television screens seemed to have been certain in their minds that they would be celebrating a famous win for their champion pugilist.
Mary Kom's entry into the Olympics united the Nagas, Meiteis and Kukis of Manipur who swept aside their political differences and collectively prayed for her victory, says Worngam Siro, a Tangkhul Naga who runs a retail shop in the city.
“All of us feel very proud because such a talented boxer has achieved so much from our small State. All the Koms and Kukis and Meiteis are my brethren because we are the same,” he said.
This was Mary's second loss to Nicola. The Manipuri mother of two had earlier lost to her in the quarterfinals of the last world championship in a tournament that was the qualifying event for the Olympics.
Even though Mary is a five-time world champion in the 45 kg, 46 kg and 48 kg categories, she had to fight well above her weight at the Olympics in the 51 kg (flyweight) event and she had had to train specifically for the higher weight category.
“Whether she lost or won, does not matter. But she has put Manipur on the map of the world, and we are extremely proud of her,” said Satyananda Meitei, one of her fans.
“This is a game and such things happen,” said another fan with tears in his eyes.
Despite formidable odds, Mary worked hard to reach this far. “But all is not lost, there will be a next time,” said Satyananda.
Ibomcha Singh, who coached Mary, said she had reached thus far through dedication, determination and discipline.
Keywords: Mary Kom, Langol, Imphal West, London 2012, London Olympics 2012, Summer Olympics 2012, women's flyweight boxing
India is proud of you Mary!
Congrats Mary!!! Thanks for bringing India the fourth medal and in the Olympic history it is the first time when India got four medals.
We the people of north-east will always be proud of Mary Kom, a woman who fought for Gold, but had to be content with a Bronze,for India. Women from North-east will always be prompted achieve higher and Mary Kom will be their inspiration. Let there be more Mary Koms.
Mary Kom has put Manipur on India's map metaphorically speaking. How many of our citizens know about the state of Manipur? It is indeed pathetic we impart education on our children about the world yet do not provide them with the knowledge of our own country and the various states which illuminate this great country. It requires an individual to come out of the wild and make a mark on the sports arena for people to sit up and notice. A Dhoni from Jharkhand,Vijaykumar from Himachal Pradesh and Mary Kom from Manipur are all products of their own individual efforts in the face of adversity. It is only when we travel far and wide within the country we come across our brothers and sisters from various parts of the country and understand each other's culture. There is need for an Indianness to emerge from our hearts in every walk of life irrespective of caste,creed,language or religion to foster a unique Indian ethos complete in all respects.
We in Nepal __ nay all South Asia are umpired by your feat We hope you will set up an
academy to develop boxers from our region to enter the world stage ad you have done so
admirably I await the day when we xan host South Asia VS The World boxing events for
women and men and girls and boys You would have sown seeds of unification of our
beleagured region
This is so Great! ..and thanks to the authorities for keeping the grid
running.
Hard luck Mary , but congrats for having reached thus far , the country
is proud of you .
"Mary Kom's entry into the Olympics united the Nagas, Meiteis and Kukis of Manipur who swept aside their political differences and collectively prayed for her victory, says Worngam Siro, a Tangkhul Naga who runs a retail shop in the city." <-- Finally there is a purpose for the Olympics bandwagon.
Thanks a lot for making us proud.. We are very happy with what you have achieved..God bless!
What an inspiration! And to think that Mary and the three others won their medals in spite of all the difficulties placed in their way by a venal set of politicians and bureaucracy.
The entire country is proud of this young lady who not only brought an Olympic bronze medal but was also apologetic even in her glorious success. She has secured the invaluable medal taking the country's Olympic medal tally to the highest ever, braving the strife in Manipur and overcoming all odds around her. Her bronze is more valuable and precious than an Olympics Gold Medal. I wholeheartedly join those countrymen who wholeheartedly salute her and her mentors on this moment of crowing glory.
Seconds after she lost, lights went out !! Plight of a common Indian
.Ironical... Thanks Mary, you have done us proud.
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